Millions of Pakistanis work overseas, especially in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and other Gulf countries, and remittances support countless families. Unfortunately, overseas job seekers are also the most common targets of fraud. Following the legal process protects your money, your documents and your rights abroad. This guide explains the main steps in simple terms.
Step 1: Get a genuine job offer
There are three common legal routes:
- Licensed Overseas Employment Promoters (OEPs) – recruitment agencies licensed by the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BE&OE). Only licensed promoters are allowed to recruit Pakistani workers for jobs abroad.
- Government channels – the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC) and government-to-government programmes for specific countries.
- Direct employment – an employer abroad hires you directly, common for professionals such as doctors, engineers and IT specialists.
Always ask the agency for its licence number and verify it through official Bureau of Emigration channels before paying anything.
Step 2: Check the contract carefully
Your employment contract should clearly state:
- Job title and duties
- Monthly salary and currency
- Working hours and overtime
- Accommodation, food and transport
- Contract duration and leave
- Medical insurance and end-of-service benefits
Do not travel on a visit or tourist visa for work. Working without the right visa can lead to arrest, fines and deportation.
Step 3: Medical, visa and documents
Most Gulf countries require a medical test at an approved centre, police character certificate, attested educational or trade certificates and a valid passport. The employer or agency then processes your work visa.
Step 4: Emigration registration (the “protector”)
Before leaving Pakistan for employment, workers register with the Protector of Emigrants office of the Bureau of Emigration. This step records your contract and agency, and gives you access to welfare support and insurance schemes for overseas workers. Leaving for work without registration removes much of this protection.
How much should you pay?
Licensed promoters may charge a service fee within limits set by the government, and they must give you an official receipt. Be very careful if an agent asks for large cash payments, refuses to give receipts, or asks you to sign blank papers.
Warning signs of overseas job fraud
- Agent is not licensed or refuses to show the licence
- Promise of a work job on a visit visa
- Salary far above what similar workers earn
- Passport kept by the agent for weeks without reason
- No written contract before travel
Skills that improve your chances
Trade certificates from recognised technical institutes (electrician, plumber, welder, AC technician, driver with valid licence), basic English or Arabic, and computer skills increase both your chances and your salary. For professionals, degree attestation from HEC and the relevant embassy is usually required.
Before you travel
- Keep copies of your passport, visa and contract with your family
- Save the contact details of the Pakistani embassy or consulate in your destination country
- Understand local laws and labour rights
- Use only legal banking channels to send money home
Rules and fees change. Always confirm current requirements with the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment or the embassy of your destination country.
Related: how to spot fake job ads and scams.